DRINK WITH THE WENCH PRESENTS:

The Beer Blogger Interview Series

Curious what goes on in the minds of your favorite beer bloggers? Well, The Beer Wench is and she has embarked upon a mission to interview as many beer bloggers that she can — from all over the world. Are you a beer blogger? Do you want to share your story? Send me an email!

Welcome to the first of two beer blogger interview series editions featuring the brilliant (and adorable) minds behind one of the hottest internet beer-themed video podcasts: Hop Cast.

The format of the show involves Brad Chmielewski and Ken Hunnemeder reviewing two beers from a specific state, brewery or style. Viewers also get tidbits of information about the brewing process, ingredients, packaging. Many episodes feature a guest who brings on their favorite beer to share with the hosts.

INTRODUCING: KEN HUNNEMEDER

Beer Blogger Interview

Full name: Ken Hunnemeder
Twitter handle: @kenoftheyear
Name of blog: Hop Cast
Current location: Chicago, IL

Background “Snapshot”

1. Where did you grow up?

I grew up an hour north of Chicago in a suburb called Gurnee, IL. It’s only about 10 minutes away from the Wisconsin border, which was great because I had access to beers that were distributed to both states.

2. What sports if any did you play growing up, through college and beyond?

Growing up I played any sport I could get involved with, but I would have to say tennis was probably my strongest.

3. If you can recall, what is the story of your first beer? Where did you have it? What style and brand was it?

I had my first sip of beer when I was a little kid. It was one of my Mother’s Miller Genuine Drafts and I remember hating it! As a result, I was a liquor guy when I first started drinking. But like most of us, I eventually started drinking the macro’s in college because it was cheap and readily available.

4. Where, if applicable, did you go to college? What did you study? What additional activities, organizations, sports did you partake in during college?

I went to school at Columbia College Chicago where I studied Acoustical Engineering. Columbia is an art school so it wasn’t much of an activity-laden campus. There was no organized sports or Greek system or anything. I was ok with that.

Craft Beer Epiphany

Every craft beer enthusiast has at least one pinnacle craft beer experience that completely changes ones perspective on beer. I refer to this mind-blowing moment as a “craft beer epiphany.”

1. What was your first craft beer epiphany? Recall as many details about it as you can:

I started collecting beer bottles when I was in college as a hobby/competition with a friend. We were always trying to top each other with the different beers we could acquire. At that time I was drinking a lot of Guinness and that was fine, but the first beer that blew me away was probably Dogfish Head Indian Brown Ale.

2. Have you have additional craft beer epiphanies since the first? Detail as many of them as you wish:

Since then, Saison Dupont changed the way I look at beer and what I thought it’s limits were. I now know to never put restrictions on any brewer.

Beer Blog Background

1. How long have you been working on Hop Cast?

Brad Chmielewski and I have been doing Hop Cast since August of 2008

2. What inspired you to create Hop Cast?

Brad and I were getting together fairly regularly to drink great and interesting beers. He has the ability to produce very slick videos so it just seemed liked fun.

3. Why did you choose the name Hop Cast?

Hop Cast is a video podcast so it’s pretty self-explanatory. Also, we love the hops!

4. What are you personal goals for Hop Cast? What do you hope to achieve with it?

We started Hop Cast purely for our own enjoyment but it has taken on a life of it’s own. We’ll continue to do it as long as it’s still fun. If it would somehow turn into a Travel Channel show or something like that then we wouldn’t complain.

5. What is one of the coolest things that happened to you as a result of being a beer podcaster?

My favorite part of being involved with Hop Cast is without a doubt the people I’ve met, whether it be brewers, owners, chefs, bloggers, or just other beer drinkers. Being surrounded by people with the same passion that I have for beer is very rewarding.

6. What are you top 3 favorite beer blogs/beer websites?

I like beernews.org for the latest happenings, Mr. Malty for homebrewing tips, and who doesn’t love The Wench?!

Beer Talk

1. What are your top 3 favorite beer styles?

I tend to drink a lot of IPA’s, but who doesn’t? Recently, pilsners have been high on my list. I also love the complexity of Wild Ales.

2. What are your top 3 favorite breweries?

Here in the Chicagoland area, I love the way Three Floyds pushes all limits. Jolly Pumpkin brings so much complexity in a delicate way. Sierra Nevada is the big guy out there that I can usually find wherever I am and they always make great beers.

3. If you could work with or for any one brewery, which one would it be and why?

I would have to say Sierra Nevada because I respect what they do and could take pride in the products. That being said, they probably have the means to pay me more than other smaller breweries!

4. Are you a homebrewer? If yes, what is the most unique and interesting beer recipes you’ve brewed as a homebrewer?

I have brewed a number of batches in the past but haven’t found the time recently to keep it up. I made a Licorice Stout that came in at 9%. I was a solid stout, but I was hoping for a bit more licorice flavor.

5. What is your favorite beer and food pairing?

Give me some Fish and Chips with a Three Floyds Alpha King and I’m a happy boy.

The Personal Side

1. What is your current day job?

I’m a photographer in the real estate industry; yeah it’s been rough!

2. If you could change your career at this very moment, without any restrictions on what you could do, what would you want to do and why?

I would love to host a television show about beer and travel the world. I’ve always had a knack for exposing people to things that I’m passionate about. Sharing my knowledge is very enjoyable to me.

3. Are you married? Children?

I’m not married and I have no kids. There are too many other things I’d like to do and beers to drink before I even think about going there.

4. Outside of beer and your podcast, what are some of your other hobbies?

I love listening to and playing music. I’m currently playing guitar in a band here in Chicago with some very talented folks.

Off The Beaten Path

1. If you were a style of beer, what style would be and why?

I’d be something like a Kolsch because it’s refreshing and approachable by many different kinds of people.

2. You were caught smuggling beer illegally, which has now been made punishable by death. Right before you are sent to the executioner, you are offered one last beer. What beer would you chose and why?

I recently had the pleasure of tasting the Westvleteren 12 and it was one of the most beautiful and eloquent beers I’ve ever had. Plus if they’re going to kill me I want them to go through hell getting me my last demand.

3. If I contracted you to brew a beer (or design a beer recipe) called “The Beer Wench” — what style would you chose and what, if any, extra ingredients would you add?

An Imperial Blonde Ale aged in Pino Noir barrels?

4. If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?

People would refer to me as “Beer Jesus” because I would turn water into Barleywine.

5. What is one of the craziest things you have ever done and lived to tell the story?

One time I drank a Special Export

6. What are your thoughts on bacon?

I’m pro bacon in all forms. I prefer it to be served as is but I also like to wrap my vegetables with it. If I had some major scratch, I’d love to try Garrett Oliver’s bacon beer.

SPECIAL THANKS TO KEN FOR CREATING ONE OF THE BEST BEER VIDEO PODCASTS AND PROVIDING ME WITH A GREAT INTERVIEW!

CHEERS!